Tianjin Ancient Culture Street Food Tour

Tianjin is a city with many famous attractions, including the European-style Five Avenues, the exciting Tianjin Eye Ferris Wheel, and the Italian Style Town, all of which draw a large number of tourists. Among these attractions, the Ancient Culture Street, which combines food, shopping, and sightseeing, is a must-visit. Located in Nankai District, Tianjin, the Ancient Culture Street is a national 5A tourist attraction, featuring Tianhou Palace, north and south archways, various handicraft shops, and of course, a variety of authentic local delicacies. Visitors here must try the three delicacies of Tianjin, also known as the "Three Wonders of Tianjin."

Reference：Overview of Tianjin Ancient Culture Street

The Three Wonders of Tianjin

Goubuli Baozi (Steamed Buns)

The most famous of the Three Wonders is Goubuli Baozi, with a history of over 160 years. The filling is made from pork mixed with ginger and green onions, enhanced with pork bone broth, making the meat flavor more intense. The bun has 18 pleats on its skin, making it a representative delicacy of the area.

Shibajie Mahua (Twisted Cruller)

Shibajie Mahua comes from the time-honored brand Guifaxiang. Each cruller is filled with different ingredients, including osmanthus, walnuts, black sesame, five kernels, salted, mung beans, corn, and hawthorn, offering a unique taste that leaves a lasting impression.

Erduoyan Zhagao (Ear-hole Fried Cake)

Erduoyan Zhagao got its name from the shop owner who opened his store in Erduoyan Hutong, outside the North Gate Street during the Qing Dynasty. The sticky rice cake is stuffed with traditional red bean paste, and topped with black sesame, osmanthus, purple sweet potato, and five kernels. When eaten hot, it is chewy, soft, and sweet.

Reference: Overview of Tianjin Ancient Culture Street

More Food Choices

Er Saizi Jianbing Guozi (Pancake Roll)

Er Saizi Jianbing Guozi is highly popular. The mung bean pancake is cooked while an egg is spread evenly over it, then rolled up with a crispy wafer and brushed with sweet sauce and green onions. It is a traditional Tianjin snack, crispy and flavorful.

Shuli Gao (Cooked Pear Cake)

Shuli Gao is a dessert made from rice paste, traditionally topped with bean paste or white sugar. Nowadays, it comes in various flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and black sesame, making it a cute and diverse treat.

Warming Delicacies

When you feel parched from all the eating, head to Jinmen Yangshi Tea Soup for a bowl of Dragon Mouth Tea Soup. The base can be made from ground osmanthus lotus seeds, longan and eight fruits, black glutinous rice, almond cream, millet powder, or sorghum powder. Hot water is poured from the Dragon Mouth teapot, followed by various nuts, sesame, peanuts, raisins, and white sugar, creating a sweet and warming drink.

In Tianjin Ancient Culture Street, you can not only appreciate the ancient architectural style and rich handicrafts but also savor a variety of authentic local foods, satisfying your taste buds.

QA Section

Q1: What are the Three Wonders of Tianjin?

A1: The Three Wonders of Tianjin are Goubuli Baozi (steamed buns), Shibajie Mahua (twisted cruller), and Erduoyan Zhagao (ear-hole fried cake). These traditional foods are must-tries for visitors to the Ancient Culture Street.

Q2: Where can you find a warming drink in Ancient Culture Street?

A2: You can find a warming drink at Jinmen Yangshi Tea Soup, where you can enjoy a bowl of Dragon Mouth Tea Soup made with various bases like ground osmanthus lotus seeds, longan and eight fruits, and more, topped with nuts, sesame, peanuts, raisins, and white sugar.